Coca Cola CEO awarded honorary degree

Cass MBA alumnus Muhtar Kent recognised for his contribution to international business

First published Thursday, 26th July, 2012

Muhtar Kent, the Chairman and CEO of The CocaCola Company and a Cass Business School alumnus, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from City University London.

Mr Kent was presented with a Doctor of Science honoris causa for his work in the field of international business at a ceremony held in London's Central Hall Westminster.

Mr Kent joined The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta in 1978 after becoming one of the first Cass MBA students to graduate from what was then City University Business School.

He held a variety of marketing and operations leadership roles throughout his career in markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, leading up to his appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive in July 2008.

Cass Deputy Dean, Professor Steve Haberman, said: "We are extremely proud to award Mr Kent an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished achievements in international business. His success at the head of one of the world's best known brands should serve as inspiration to all our undergraduate and postgraduate students."

Professor Paul Curran, Vice Chancellor of City University London, added: "Awards of this kind are given to those individuals that have made an exceptional contribution to their industries. The calibre of this year's recipients demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence as well as our close connection to business and the professions."

In brief commencement remarks, Mr Kent expressed his appreciation for the honorary degree and said graduates were leaving Cass at a time of great challenge and even greater opportunity. Noting the role of business in fostering growth and solving societal challenges, Mr Kent concluded, "As a business person, you can-and should-be a tremendous force for good."

Cass Business School uses cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing browsing this website without changing your cookie settings, we assume you agree to this. Find out about the cookies we use.